ITANAGAR, Jan 4: State Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Gicho Kabak has
appreciated Legislative Assembly Speaker Wangling Lowangdong for fixing the date
for oral hearing of a petition seeking disqualification of four defected party MLAs
on January 30 and 31 under anti-defection law.

The party appealed to the people of the state to stand behind NCP to uphold the anti-defection
laws to stop further defection.

The party in a release said that Kahfa Bengia filed a petition against the defected
NCP MLAs when he was State NCP president.Later, he also defected from NCP to PPA
along with three other party workers.

Meanwhile, NCP expressed surprise that why not PPA file a petition against the party’s
four MLAs, who defected to INC.

Help trace whereabouts of missing doctor

ITANAGAR, Jan 4: All East Kameng Youth Forum (AEKYF) has appealed to the people of
East Kameng and West Kameng districts to help find out missing medical officer Okit
Peyang. The Forum also appealed to the district administration and police to make
all out efforts to trace the whereabouts of Peyang, who has gone missing from Bana
on December 20.

Bandh calls declared illegal

KOLORIANG, Jan 4: Terming the proposed 12 hours Kurung Kumey district bandh by All
Kurung Kumey District Students Union (AKKDSU) on January 6 next as illegal, The District
Administration today ordered all the administrative officers of the district to ensure
that all the government institutions under their jurisdiction remain open and functional
on the day, reports DIPRO.

“With the ongoing summary revision process of electoral roll in the district, a bandh
call would delay the process more,” opined the DA.

The police have been instructed to take necessary preventive measures to maintain
peace and tranquility in the district.

Meanwhile, Ziro DIPRO added that the Lower Subansiri district administration has
declared the proposed 12-hr bandh called by All Yachuli Students Union on 6th January
as illegal.

In conformance with the Supreme Court order, the District Administration has issued
orders to the bandh callers asking them to abstain from any act that may affect life,
liberty and safety or security of common citizens or that may disrupt public peace
and tranquility.

Financial literacy camp held

ITANAGAR, Jan 04: A financial literacy camp under the initiative of Arunachal Pradesh
Rural Bank Branch Ziro was conducted at Pistana circle in Lower Subansiri district
on 28th Dec last.

During the camp various important issues related to financial benefits like Agriculture-Horticulture
loan etc were discussed, said a release. Zilla Parishad Member Neelam Mangha, circle
officer Gyamar Amte and various PRI leaders including branch manager of Arunachal
Pradesh Rural Bank attended the camp.

APPDSSU gives one month ultimatum to the DC

ITANAGAR, Jan 4: The All Pakke Kessang Pijeriang Dissing Passo Seijosa Students’
Union (APPDSSU) has given a month-long ultimatum to the Deputy Commissioner cum chairman
trans-Arunachal Highway (NH-229,) Compensation Disbursement Committee, East Kameng
district for fulfillment of its demands pertaining to the land affected people.

It’s demands include immediate clearance of compensation money disbursement against
Pijeriang to Pakke-Kessang circles portion, immediate return of the compensation
money paid to the non- affected people and putting the defaulters behind bar, immediate
start of the work on the portion claiming that it is being delayed due to non clearance
of compensation money disbursement and immediate publication of total compensation
amount with the recipient name against the Sede of Pijeriang circle to Khyodaso to
Pakke Kessang circles.

NewsImpact

Eco-tourism can play major role in biodiversity conservation: Experts

Prafulla Kaman

PASIGHAT, Jan 4: As a part of its continuous effort for protection of biodiversity
in Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary and its adjoining areas, the Ecological
Biodiversity Conservation Society (EBCS) in collaboration of Eco Development Committee
(EDC) East Siang today conducted a mass awareness meeting at Pasighat market with
participation of wildlife experts, forest department officials, administrative officials,
NGO workers and Gaon Burahs besides EDC members and elected leaders of the district.

The day-long awareness programme with the themes - “Capacity building of Eco Development
Committee and Joint Forest management” and “Human-animal conflict and its preventive
measures” focused on various issues including lack of awareness and traditional
hunting and cheap availability of guns which pose a great threat to the existence
of wild animals.

Welcoming the participants, EBCS president John Apum briefed on the importance of
conservation of the wildlife and other natural resources available in the Siang Valley.
Informing that his committee has placed scheme for development of eco-tourism, he
sought cooperation from the local people for its successful implementation.

Addressing the meeting, an expert from Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), Sanatan Deka
disclosed that eco-tourism could be solution and effective measure against wildlife
hunting and protection of natural bounties.

According to him, the local people can enhance their economy by development of eco-tourism
in and around Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary. Taking reference of Eco Development
Committees (EDC) and NGOs working for the protection of wildlife in Manas National
Park in Assam, which is one of the World Heritage Sites, Deka urged the EDC members
and forest officials to educate the local villagers on the scopes and economic prospects
of the area.

Delivering on the topic ‘Conservation of flora & fauna’, Deka informed that once
the World Heritage Committee had declared that Manas National Park was in danger.
But, as a result of tireless efforts initiated by the conservationists, the flora
and fauna of the park flourished.

Informing that his organization has been running an Animal Rehabilitation Centre
at Roing (Dibang Valley) and working for skill development training for the conservationists,
he stressed on peaceful co-existence of man and wild animals by adopting scientific
measures.

Another resource person from WWF, David Smith said the dense natural forest and water
bodies provide comfortable habitat of species of birds, mammals, reptiles and butterflies.
There are a lot of elephant corridors, which are gradually destroyed for human habitations.
Loss of habitat and shortage of food is causing “Man-elephant conflicts”, which ultimately
turns to unhealthy “Human-Human conflict”.

Union Minister of State, Ninong Ering appealed the local people to give up the unhealthy
practice of wild hunting in the name of festival. The minister urged the wildlife
authority to introduce CCTV surveillance to observe suspected movement in and around
D’Ering WLS.

Pasighat East MLA cum state’s Education Minister Bosiram Siram, in his speech, said
the through traditional practices local tribal people are closely associated with
wildlife killing, which is a matter of concern. Stating that forest and wild animals
give us food, medicine and shelter, he urged the Gaon Burahs to impose strict rule
against hunting and poaching activities.

The Inspector General of Police (Central Zone), Garima Bhatnagar spoke on the affect
of environmental degradation, while East Siang Deputy Commissioner put emphasize
on concerted efforts for conservation of the ecosystems.

Mebo MLA Ralom Borang disclosed that many rare and endangered orchid species and
medicinal plants are still available in the natural forest of Arunachal and their
protection measure is need of hour.

YINGKIONG, Jan 4: The Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Ninnong Ering
has called upon the people to shun political differences and work for speedy development
of Upper Siang district. Ering was addressing a huge public gathering at General
Ground, Mariyang during his two days visit to Upper Siang district on January 2 and
3 last.

Clarifying doubt of a section of people on some of the schemes that had been announced
earlier, the Minister appealed the people to wait for some more time to get all those
schemes implemented practically as it’s processes and technicalities need time.

Ering also announced sanction and release of fund against the construction of General
Ground of Mariyang town. Stating the road communication is the pillar of all developments,
the Minister informed that he has entrusted the BRO for formation cutting of the
newly proposed road from Damro to Maktin-Siam connecting Dibang Valley, Lower Dibang
Valley districts at the earliest and further added that the BRO has already started
the survey work of the proposed road.

Ering announced a sanction of Rs. 50 lakh for construction of a Damey Musup (Big
Dormitory) at Damro village for the greater interest of all the clans. The Minister
further informed that he got sanction of Rs. 25 crores under NLCPR from the Centre
for construction of a new road from Geku to Mariyang, the two main towns of Mariyang
-Geku sub-division which would be a life-line for people of the area.

Responding to a public memorandum the Union Minister informed that he would appeal
the state Chief Minister to announce notification of ADC independent at Mariyang
so that it can come into effect at an early date. He also assured to take up for
survey work for the proposed road from Milang to Singa via Peki-Modi with the concerned
authority at the Center.

Addressing another pubic meeting at Millang village on the same day the Minister
announced a sanction of Rs. 20 lakh for construction of Lonpong Musup (Big Dormitory)
for all clans of the Millang village. Apel Modi ZPC Upper Siang, Annong Pertin, Tonek
Ngupok, Tallom Pertin all public leaders spoke and apprised the problems and grievances
to the visiting Union Minister on the occasion.

The Minister was accompanied, among others, by Alo Libang MLA, L. Borang DC, Er.
Tapi Darang EE(PWD) during his visit.

Responding to the demands of people of Dalbing village the Union Minister asked the
Upper Siang to include the proposal of a Model village under RD programme.

Ering entrusted EE PWD to initiate the survey work on Dalbing to Pekimod porter track.
At Gobuk the Minister assured to accord fund for maintenance and renovation of village
Musup. At Geku village he clarified about the delay of sanctioning the proposed Sikem
Hydel Project and informed the people that the copy of proposal/ scheme was yet to
reach Delhi from the State's Planning and Development department and added that finalization
of sanction would be possible only after the schemes are received at the Centre.
The Minister assured fund for retaining Wall against the Beging Dere (Musup) at Geku.

At Yingkiong Minister addressed the public leaders and officers at Circuit House
and advised the scheme executing department officers to achieve the target of the
government policies and programes so that the benefits percolate down the common
people, and schemes implemented judiciously for the greater interest of the general
people. Ering appealed all the PRI members to cooperate the government officers and
staffs to achieve the objective successful in their respective segments and blocks
positively. DIPRO

Colony people’s fight against unabated river erosion

ITANAGAR, Jan 4: The members of Bukping Colony (Pachin), Naharlagun under the aegis
of Bukping Welfare Committee have been fighting against unabated river erosion and
trying their level best to construct anti-erosion wall since last year.

Today around 150 members of the colony offered volunteer service again to protect
the colony from river erosion.

Extending a helping hand as special visitor, Jalley Sonam, Chairman, Arunachal Pradesh
Buildings & Others Constructions Workers’ Welfare Board (APB&OCWWB) contributed 300
cement bags and other construction materials for erosion protection wall. While appreciating
the colony members for their self-help service, he suggested them to approach the
local representatives to make a proposal on anti-erosion wall scheme which is very
essential for the people residing in this stretch of land.

Tadar Tarish, President, Arunachal Law Students’ Union (ALSU), who accompanied Sonam
as a resident of the colony had initiated the proposal to erect anti-erosion wall
to protect the colony dwellers from the havoc created by Pachin River. He said despite
repeated plea to district administrations and the department of disaster management,
no authorities ready to compensate the affected people.

He further claimed that at least 5 houses had been washed away by the river during
the months of July, August and September 2013. But the owners of the houses are
yet to be compensated.

The colony members, however, criticized the local Councillor “for not showing any
positive attitude to their grievances despite repeated appeal.” They appealed to
the authorities concern to provide immediate compensation to the people who lost
their properties and houses, according to a release.

BJP flays state Govt on Tirap situation, demands inquiry

ITANAGAR, Jan 4: The Arunachal Pradesh unit of Bharatiya Janata (BJP) has demanded
the state government to constitute a high level enquiry committee headed by Chief
Minister to investigate the incident of gun battle between security forces and NCSN-IM
ultras at Holaam village in Tirap district that took lives of two innocent persons.

The ruling Congress Government has been unconcerned about the deteriorated law and
order situation of Tirap district, alleged BJP National Council Member and Spokesperson
Wangman Lowangcha. He demanded immediate visit of the Chief Minister to visit Holaam
village to verify and assess the ground reality.

He also demanded the state government to enhance the compensation amount announced
for the deceased from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs.10 lakh each and for the seriously injured
person from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The party further urged the government to provide
a job to the woman as lone bread winner of the family was killed in the incident.

Two members of a family were killed and another sustained bullet injury in the cross-fire
on January 2.

Meanwhile, the party blamed the unrest in Tirap as the result of protracted peace
talk between NSCN (IM) and the Central Government.

Criticizing the state government for maintaining silence over deteriorated law and
order situation in the trouble-torn district, Party spokesperson Techi Necha, in
another press release, demanded both State and Central Government to expedite peace
talks with the NSCN (IM) to resolve the long and outstanding issues at earliest to
bring normalcy.

He also condemned the killing of innocent civilians and violation of human rights
by security forces and ultras in Tirap.

PPA draws up criteria for candidate selection

ITANAGAR, Jan 4: People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) has drawn up criteria for selection
of party candidates for the ensuing Parliament and Assembly elections.

Educational qualification, past experiences, achievements, public image and credibility
of the candidate, contribution of the candidates to the party and winnability factors
will be the some of the main criteria for selection of party candidates for the ensuing
parliamentary and assembly elections, said PPA in a release.

Revealing that there is a huge rush for party tickets for both Parliament and Assembly
Elections due in April and October 2014, Party President Nikh Kamin stated that screening
committee consisting seniors in the Party would finally select the two best candidates
for both Eastern and Western parliamentary constituencies. The declaration of the
candidates for both the seats would be made at an appropriate date and time, as deem
fit by the party, he said.

Kamin further assured that the two indigenous party candidates would be asked to
sign an affidavit against plural marriage and another on strict adherence to Party’s
vision plan, manifesto and election code of conduct.

BJP team tours Indo-Bhutan border

ITANAGAR, Jan 04: The State BJP team led by president Tai Tagak conducted a whirlwind
tour of Indo-Bhutan border at West Kameng.

The team toured SSB outposts at Kalaktang, Arpom, Muntalapung and Balemu. They also
collected iron farming tools from Muntalapung and Arpom villages under Kalaktang
administrative centre in West Kameng district.

The team also held a meeting at Seppa addressed by Tagak, State General Secretary
(Prog) Dominic Tadar, called upon the party workers and cadres to work hard to further
strengthen party organizational at all level by forming Booth Level Committee and
Booth Level Agency.

He said that BJP Arunachal Pradesh is trying hard to involve people at grassroots
level in the State in order to bring tangible changes in the political spectrum.